The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1887-06-02
Queer Courting.

''Saints, sinners, and the Beecher
family" has been printed as the remark
of the late venerable DR.. Todd, of
Pittsfield, Mass. Possibly the follow
ing anecdote of the father, which / had
from his eldest son, Rev. William II.
Beecher, may illustrate the peculiari-
ties of his family. The old gentleman
had lost his second OF third wife, and
was resolved to marry again. Hence
at family gathering in Cincinnati he
said: my children, hitherto l have
married altogether to suit myself, but
now l intend to marry again and am
willing to marry to suit you if you can
think of any suitable and proper per-
son who will have me-" The children
put their heads together and concluded
that a certain Mrs. jackson who kept
"a large boarding house in Boston and
was a member of Edwards church,
would make him a capital wife, and it
was arranged for Rev. Edward to ne
gotiate with Mrs. jackson.
After waiting week or so the old
gentleman became impatient and start
ed for Boston, driving to Mrs. Jack
sons house, calling for her and unfold.
ing at once the object of his mission.
tested that she had no idea of marry
ing and couldn't think of such a thing.
it was impossible. To all of which the
old doctor replied that he was equally
surprised. The arrangement had been
made in Cincinnati. Edward was tc
prepare the way, and he had made his.
and Amherst and to attend the May
.,,,sv o,.sn -
to take her with him as his wife. At
self as shocked that Edward had never
spoken to her on the subject; nor would
it have made any difference if he had,
for as to marrying again she could not
and would not-not even the vener-
able and celebrated DIR. Lyman
Beecher! After a moments pause the
doctor said: my dear Mrs. Jackson,
l am sorry you have so much feeling
about it, but will stay with you day
or two and we will talk this matter up,"
to which the lady responded that her
house was full, she had no suitable
room for him, and could not entertain
him. ''Oh, never mind them" said
the doctor, 81 will go around to Ed
wards and come and take tea with
you"
And sure enough at tea time he was
there and sat next to Mrs. jackson at
the table. 1t was one of those large
boarding-houses on Beacon street at
which the lady of the house presided as
a sort of matron, and to the teatable to
| which the boarders kept coming for two
or three hours. Of course the old doctor
became impatient, and kept whisper
ing to Mrs. jackson: Il want to see
you alone!' Il must see you alone!"
Cant you see me aloneP" At length
Mrs. Jackson left the table with him
and they went to a room by them
selves. What then occurred God only
knows, but the family story is that the
good lady protested, expressed her
amazement, and even said: You
must be crazy; the subject is too serious
and solemn to be thought of without
prayer to God" Have you not
prayed about itr' said the doctor.
'.Prayed about itp No." said Mrs.
Jackson; 81 have not thought of such a
thing" Let us pray, was the solemn
response of Beecher, and they knelt
down and prayed. Of course the AL
mighty was argued with; what good
wife Mrs. Jackson would make; what a
blessing it would be to her; how much
good she could do in the holy cause;
what disappointment if she did not
marry him. Then observing her to be
in melting mood, he reached out his
hand, took hold of hers and said
"amen." Yes, and amen it was. The
grand clearinghouse was broken up,
to the surprise of all Boston, and Mrs.
jackson became Mrs Lyman Beecher,
making him capital wife" indeed
CleUelGad Plain Dealer